Event
venue ExCeL London and entertainment caterer Levy UK + Ireland have inked a
new long-term partnership focused on providing visitors with more sustainable
food and drink choices.
Levy UK+I has been ExCeL’s F&B partner since the
Royal Docks venue first opened in 2000.
The new collaboration will put greater emphasis on
sustainability, technology and innovation as part of the pairs’ roadmap to net
zero, with Levy UK+I targeting an early adoption of 2027.
ExCeL and Levy UK+I have already implemented a range of
sustainable F&B initiatives including reducing the use of plastic drinks
bottles and a 100% seasonal sourcing for menus.
Future initiatives will see the introduction of consumer
facing carbon labelling, a minimum of 50 % of menus to be plant-based, sourcing
of 100% recyclable or reusable packing, to get food waste under 25% by 2024,
and a new technological advanced store designed to improve the visitor
experience and speed up service times (further details to be revealed in the
spring).
The contract extension will also see the development of
four apprenticeships as part of a continued initiative to attract the next
generation to the hospitality market.
ExCeL’s chief commercial officer Simon Mills said: “Food
is now an essential part of any event experience, and often the element guests
remember the most. We have seen a notable shift in consumer trends of late,
with visitors now expecting a diverse range of exciting, tasty, high-quality,
contemporary, and sustainably sourced food and beverage offerings. Thanks to
our long-standing partnership with Levy UK + Ireland, that’s exactly what they
get when visiting ExCeL.”
Jon Davies, MD, Levy UK + Ireland, said: “Levy UK +
Ireland is delighted to continue this journey with ExCeL, one of our longest
standing clients. We have achieved a huge amount over the past 22 years, but
there is more work to do and as a business we thrive on keeping up with the
continually changing environmental landscape.
“In ExCeL we have found a strong partner who shares our
ambitious sustainability goals and targets. We are looking forward to pushing
the boundaries and showcasing what can be done through a united approach to net
zero aspirations and technological advancements.”
Written By
James Lancaster
AMI editor James
Lancaster is a familiar face in the meetings industry and international
association community. Since joining AMI in 2010, he has gained a reputation
for asking difficult questions and getting lost in convention centres. Proofer, podcaster, and panellist - in his spare time, James likes to walk,
read, listen to music, and drink beer.
